Apex Noire
Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or newly curious, this expansive downtown newcomer — founded by former City Councilor Tito Jackson — will make you feel welcome. Friendly staffers are happy to walk you through the options, from flower to pre-rolls to, most notably, a wide range of edibles. (Infused popping candy as a garnish for the rim of a drink? We’re in.) We’re also buzzed about the rooftop lounge and bar space that’s in the works. 150 State St., Boston, MA 02109, apexnoire.com.
The Tall Ship Boston
What do you do with a massive dilapidated pier jutting out into the harbor? If you’re the Navy Yard Hospitality Group, you turn it into the hottest waterfront party spot in town. On the deck of a refurbished tall ship turned oyster bar and an adjacent pier, hundreds of well-dressed revelers play lawn games, sip vodka-crans, and groove to live music in the summer sun — all on what used to be a weed-strewn slab. Quite the makeover, indeed. 1 E Pier Dr., East Boston, MA 02128, tallshipboston.com.
Bos2Go
Picture this: You’ve just lugged your bag all the way from security to your gate and plopped down on a chair when you hear your stomach growl. Instead of settling for a suspiciously wet egg-salad sammy from the newsstand, simply navigate to this website, which delivers meals and other essentials from anywhere in the airport straight to your seat. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your piping-hot Wahlburger from all the way in Terminal C. bos2go.com.
Mahaniyom
After sampling Mahaniyom’s tapas-style takes on Bangkok street eats — housemade crab curry with vermicelli noodles, three-spice salt-and-pepper pork cheeks — you just won’t be able to go back to your basic pad-Thai-on-a-weeknight joint. Not when you have a date-night-feeling destination like this on deck, complete with flirty, Land of Smiles–inspired cocktails — such as the Mahaniyom Sazerac made with Thai-tea-infused rye — to leave you with a rosy glow. 236 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445, mahaniyomboston.com.
Great Eastern Trading Co.
Make sure you clear your schedule before stepping inside this time warp of a store, which stocks clothing and accessories dating to the 1920s. You’ll need plenty of time to browse rack after rack of still-good band tees, three-piece crochet sets, ’70s-era palazzo pants, forever-stylish leather jackets, quirky vests, and just about anything else your vintage heart could desire. Multiple locations, greateasternvintage.com.
Uni
Omakase translates—very roughly—to “entrusting the chef to create a special meal of sequential bites from a perch mere inches from your face,” and Uni was always one of our favorite spots to partake. In the meantime, whatever Akira Sugimoto’s super-luxe 8-, 12-, and 16-piece nigiri boxes to go lack in off-the-cuff serendipity, they more than make up for in jewel-like exquisiteness. 370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, uni-boston.com.
The Port Hunter
Martha’s Vineyard has a lot going for it—stunning harbor views, bountiful farmers’ markets—but excellent cocktails? Let’s just say that’s been a work in progress. Until now, that is. Helping lead the libations movement is this loftlike Edgartown hang, which opened in 2012 with live music, shuffleboard, and a slew of expertly made cocktails: Hemingway daiquiris, Manhattans, and summer sippers like the gingery, strawberry-accented Kentucky Buck. 55 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, theporthunter.com.
The Kendall Café
As the many framed posters around the bar can attest, big named have played this small room situated on a Cambridge backstreet, among them Jewel and Elvis Costello. This year, the Kendall bolstered its currency with local talent, creating a "Tuesday Night Music Club" series that features a Who's Who of Boston musicians trying out new or experimental material. Add great food and cheap beer specials, and it's easy to see why this is the hangout of choice for local rock glitterati. 233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Offshore Ale
It might be the free peanuts that give us cause to celebrate this boathouselike old brewery. It could also be the quick, sarcastic staff who treat us like longtime regulars. Or, you know, it could be the beer. Brewed on site, the nine varieties—among them the Belgian-style Hop Goddess and the Beach Rd. Brown—are full bodied and pack a doozy of a punch. 30 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, .
Boloco
The reborn Wrap's salads, smoothies, and easy-to-eat custom burritos are always a winning recipe. 247 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, boloco.com.
Rebekah Brooks
“Jewelry is the oldest currency we have.” So says bling maker Rebekah Brooks, who combines classic grandeur with ethereal whimsy for both engagement and wedding rings. Her stunning sparklers run the gamut from vermeil bands inlaid with purple-magenta sapphires to yellow-gold scroll rings that look like waves on the sea—all totally on-point for an indie jeweler who crafts her pieces in artsy Northampton. 96 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, rebekahbrooks.com.
Southwest Corridor Park
Okay, so the Southwest Corridor (pictured, top) isn’t exactly a secret. But considering that the rectilinear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills is basically an open-air urban butterfly garden, it’s the closest thing to magic you’ll find within walking distance of your T stop. Come summertime, the corridor’s community plots burst into bloom with sunflowers, lilies, hollyhocks, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, and more, attracting Bostonians and butterflies alike. Boston, MA 02130, mass.gov/locations/southwest-corridor-park.
Organic Bath Co.
Who knew that 2020 would be the year of the hand sanitizer? It seems like every beauty company and alcohol distillery has entered the category in recent months, but Charlestown-based Organic Bath Co.’s 2-ounce spray bottles are the clear winner. With a hint of glycerin to keep hands soft and essential oils such as lavender and Moroccan rose, this vegan, cruelty-free formula keeps germs at bay without smelling like a hospital room. organicbath.co.
The Lexington at the Picnic Grove at Cambridge Crossing
The Order: Take your pick! At this two-month-long al fresco pop-up, chef Will Gilson will preview multiple menu highlights from the Lexington, his restaurant/café/rooftop bar juggernaut that is slated to open in September. The Cause: A portion of all July and August proceeds goes to Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a food-rescue organization marking its 10th year of service. lovinspoonfulsinc.org. 219 Jacobs St., Cambridge, MA 02141, thelexingtoncx.com.
Safe Supply at Bow Market
Smart, streamlined, safe food shopping? We’re sold! This ongoing series of open-air markets allows you to reserve a socially distanced place in line ahead of time, then proceed to tables of mask- and glove-wearing vendors who handle and bag your selections, from Picnic & Pantry’s kitchen staples and specialty groceries to prepared spinach-and-cheese layered phyllo from Koshari Mama, a mother-daughter maker of Egyptian cuisine. One Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143, bowmarketsomerville.com.